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The Queensland Maroons' success has been built on loyalty, or at
least that's what they'd have you think.

Throughout their decade (and more) of dominance, the Maroons had
the luxury to be able to call on the likes of Cameron Smith, Billy
Slater, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis, Darius Boyd and Johnathan
Thurston. That's not including Darren Lockyer, Petero Civoniceva,
Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday and the multitude of legends that
Queensland have had at their disposal in the last decade and a
half.

They never needed to change their players, because, a) they
never lost, and, b) they never lost.

New South Wales have often been chastised for not picking and
sticking with their players, but if you are constantly
unsuccessful, you need to try different things in an attempt to
reverse your fortunes.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters adhered to his loyalty policy when
he revealed his side for game three, but also noted that winning
was the most important thing.

"That's the thing with the Queensland team. We're very loyal as
Queenslanders and the selectors have been very loyal. But we want
to be loyal to a winning team. That's what we have to be loyal to
more than anything else," Walters said at the announcement of his
side.

"Loyal to Queensland, but loyal to a winning Queensland State of
Origin team."

It appears the shoe is now on the other foot. Paul Gallen, a man
who played in more Blues losses than just about anyone, has taken
aim at Queensland's so-called 'loyalty policy' after coach Kevin
Walters dropped Ben Hunt from the starting 13 onto the bench.

"He (Hunt) is the best halfback in the competition for
Queensland at the moment," Gallen said on 100% Footy.

"It makes me smile and laugh. They carry on about their loyalty,
and it's just not there."

Manly's divisive skipper Daly Cherry-Evans was brought into the
number seven jersey for game three at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday,
July 11, but considering game three is a dead-rubber and won't
affect the overall result of the series, it seems odd that Walters
would make a change rather than back Hunt and look towards the 2019
series.

Phil Gould was astounded by the decision to move Hunt out of the
starting line-up.

"They've virtually blamed Ben Hunt for the two losses," Gould
said.

"Particularly in a new era where (Cooper) Cronk and (Johnathan)
Thurston have retired. (Queensland have said) 'he will be our
replacement, he's been groomed at the Broncos, he's been playing
with the Dragons who are leading the competition', and after two
games they've chopped him off at the legs.

"Queensland don't usually do that. I find it an extraordinary
decision to dump this kid like that."